Shifting tone, US official says Gallant firing ‘concerning,’ questions PM’s motives

After initially avoiding criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to fire Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, the Biden administration shifts to questioning the premier’s motives.

“We have real questions about the reasons for Gallant’s firing and about what is driving the decision,” a US official tells The Times of Israel.

Critics in Israel accuse Netanyahu of firing Gallant for narrow political considerations related to coalition politicking rather than putting the nation’s security first. Netanyahu claims Gallant was insubordinate.

Three hours ago, a White House National Security Council spokesperson sufficed with a statement hailing Gallant and pledging to work with his successor.

But the US official speaking to The Times of Israel now is less diplomatic.

“The surprising decision to fire Defense Minister Gallant is concerning, especially in the middle of two wars and as Israel prepares to defend against a potential attack from Iran,” the official says.

Over the past year, Biden officials speaking to The Times of Israel on condition of anonymity have shared their belief that some of Netanyahu’s key decisions relating to the prosecution of the war against Hamas have been motivated by his reliance on the support of far-right coalition partners in order to remain in power.